online education

a.k.a. online learning, MOOC

Also known as a MOOC (massive open online course), online education consists of a series of lectures streamed
to tens of thousands of students instead of just to
those in a classroom. By using such lectures as the basis for a new
menu of educational options—ranging from degree programs mixing
traditional and virtual classes, to purely online vocational training—universities tailor programs to
individual students, offer access to the best professors in any field,
and cut costs and tuitions significantly.

Historical perspective: In 2005, San Jose State University began offering an online course for $150, rather than the usual
$2,000 class fee.